Improvement in photographic screens



1. A. ANDERSON.

` Photo-graphic Screen.

Ne. 100,099. Petemed Feb. 22. 187,0.

waited 5eme JONAS A. ANDERSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. Y.

Letters Patent No. 100,099, :lated February 22, 1870.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part of the same.

Figure l represents my screen with` its mechanism in perspective.

Figure 2 isa view ot' the unlocking device detached.

Figure 3., the crank by which the screen may be moved. l

This invention relates more particularly to devices for the convenient use of scenic background screens for photographic portraiture, but it is equally well adapted to plain backgrounds ot' diiiereut shades, and movingr backgrounds, to produce a perfect unilormity and smoothness of tint; and

It consists in a suitable frame, bearing a system of rollers nponpwhich a long canvas or screen is wound, and a suitable arrangement of ratchets and pawls by means ot' which the screen may be moved and retained in any desired position.

That others may understand the above-named invention in its construction and operation, I will particularly describe `it.

A A is an upright frame supported upon feet B.

The rollers U 1) have their bearings at the top and bottom of this frame respectively; and the rollers E F are similarlymounted in said frame, near to each other, but a little further to .the rear.

A long strip ot' suitable canvas or other material, Gr, is placed over the rollers C D, and its ends secured respectively to the rollers E F. Alter so securing it, the canvas is drawn tight by winding it upon one of the rollers E F, and the apparatus may then be considered in operative condition, as a variety of devices may be employed either to move it or toretain it in any desired position.

For purposes ot' convenience, however, I place upon the ends ot' the journals ofthe rollers E F, the ratchetwheels H I, and provide them with pawls J K. The teeth ot' these ratchet-wheels point in ditferent directions, so lthat when the screen is drawn tight, the pawls will retain both rollers, and prevent the screen from becoming slack.

When the screen is to be changed, so as to exhibit a different scene, the pawls are both raised by the unlocking device L, and by the application of the crank O, either one of the winding-rollers E F maybe actu- .ated as required.

The unlocking .device L is provided with an L-shaped slot, N, through which a guide and stop-pin, M, passes into the frame A. W'hen the said piu is in the horizontal part ot' said slot, it holds the plate L and pawls up and out ot engagement with thel ratchcts H I.

Upon the face ot the canvas G may be painted a variety ot' background scenes, each occupying the requisite space, like the views of a diorama, and either one of these may be broughtinto position, as may be required, and without the inconvenience of separate screens for each scene.

Instead of scenic backgrounds, there may be plain grounds of different shades or witha variety of artistic eliects of light and shade, as the artist may prefer.

' Another mode of employing my invention is fora means a beautifully soft and smooth effect is produced in the picture, with the roughest background brought up close into focus.

The advantages of my invention are:

1. Economy of space; an indetinite number of background views here occupy no more space than has hitherto been occupied Vby a single screen.

2. Convenience of handling, as the frame A may be mounted upon casters; and

The. change of scene may be arranged by any person, but little strength and no skill being required.

4. Simplicity of construction and non-liability to derangement.

The roilers E F may be placed at the top, and bottom ot' theI frame A, if desired, and the rollers ,C D may then be dispensed with, and this arrangement may sometimes be preferable, though for small photoshown to be most convenient.

.Having thus described my invention,

\Vhat I claim as new, and desire'to secure ters Patent, isi Y A 1. The frame A, provided with the rollers E F to bear the canvas G, and a locking device to hold said rollers and canvas at any desired point, for the pur` pose specified.

2. ,lhe4 rollers C D E F, with the rat-@bets H I and pawls J K andthe unlocking device L, all constructed and arranged substantially as set forth.

lVitnesses: JONAS A. ANDERSON.

Wn. C. FARWELL,

L. N. FAnWnLL.

background in motion during the sit-ting, by which graphic background scenes, I think the arrangement 

